Public’s ideas included in survey results about this year’s events

Through the use of SurveyMonkey, online survey service, the Fulton Tourism Commission, coordinated by Executive Director Thea Vowell, requested the public’s assistance in measuring opinions regarding whether or not the Banana Festival should proceed for September 2020.

Questions were posed to those who voluntarily participated in the survey, with anonymity maintained, and results calculated through the service provider.

Regarding the question, “Do you think we should have the Banana Festival in September of 2020?”, total respondents numbered 532, with 364 responding yes and 169, no, 68.42%, compared to 31.77%, respectively.

For the question, “If we have the Banana Festival, what events will you attend?”, 525 participants answered and nine skipped the question.

Individual events and the number of respondents who noted that event would be one they would attend, included the parade, with 319 yes votes, 60.76%; vendors, with 296, 56.38%; concerts, 278 yes votes, 52.95%; car show, 200 yes votes, 38.10%; carnival, 138 yes votes at 26.29%; talent contest, 104 yes votes, 19.81%; kids day at the airport, 92 yes votes, 17.52%; beauty pageant, 67 yes votes at 12.76%. There were 125 respondents’ yes votes for “none of the events” response, at 23.81%.

When asked “Would you be willing to be a sponsor?”, 499 responded, with 448, or 89.78% responding no and 52, or 10.42% responding yes.

The fourth question was “If we have the Banana Festival with Covid-19 guidelines in place, would you attend?”, the 517 respondents were divided between responding “yes”, 306 or 59.19% and “no”, 211, or 40.81%.

There was also a section provided for comments from respondents. Following are some of those comments:

• Saturday, July 4, at the park beside Vaughn’s BBQ, it was packed. At lease 30-35 vehicles and people everywhere. There was no social distancing at all. With that being said, I see no reason not to have the Banana Festival...

• The spikes are continuing and I do not believe they are going to go down in teh next few months because people are not social distancing and are being very unwise. I feel it would be a big mistake to ask people to congregate at these activities while this virus is running rampant....

• I honestly think we should have the Banana Festival. I look forward to it every year.....

• Life goes on....

• I do not think events would be well attended due to the pandemic I think Obion County is making a mistake by hosting the fair....

• Yes, continue as usual...

• Appears the world at large is not doing well with social distancing and wear masks. I think hosting this event would only increase the positive covid-19 count for our area this year. With a vaccine, we can return to the tradition in 2021......

• Please have it....

• Guidelines and social distancing need to be stressed but they are possible in most of these events....

• Cancel.....

• The festival should be postponed until coronavirus is more controlled....

• I think it should be cancelled because Covid-19 is not going anywhere......

• If basketball can be played at Benny Gordon Park, we should be able to have the Banana Festival.....

• I think that the guidelines will be very hard to follow, example: social distancing and face masks There are usually so many people social distancing is quite impossible Also, it is usually hot too so I doubt many people would want to wear face masks...

• Overall, people in society aren’t following covid 19 precautions. Until there is a vaccine, and crowds are safe, I encourage Twin Cities to refrain from the event. It’s proven that large crowds and groups are fertile ground for the spread. I think we should stand up for community health....

• It’s our hometown tradition. I remember going to these since I was a young kid.....

• Shade tents with misters would be nice to take a break from the heat. More events the public can participate in, such as a three-legged race, balloon toss, watermelon eating contest, etc....raffles every couple hours or so, bingo tent.....

• Too many people refuse to wear masks. I believe we should keep everyone safe, cancel for this year and plan for 2021......

• This is the main highlight of the year for our small town, and main money maker event for the Twin Cities...hopefully covid-19 will be better by then. If not, most certainly use the required masks for all who attend. Safety for all should be the main objective....

• What are the covid-19 guidelines?.....

• I think if people are too scared, then stay home. Don’t let them ruin it for others.....

• Ultimately, there’s no reliable way to mitigate risk when large crowds of people gather...just a single person who is infected with the virus, and coughing in the vicinity of others, could potentially spread the virus to two or three other people. It’s just not work the risk. The issue at hand is the number of people these events bring together. Protective measures only slow the spread and do not eliminate it. Covid-19 is a real killer and the prudent decision would be to cancel the Banana Festival. Spend those dollars on downtown projects such as the Park and Market area....

• Have it?.....

• Will not attend if mask is mandatory....

• As long as people abide by the guidelines, it should be fine but you need helpers to make sure guidelines are met.....

• Covid 19 is a Democratic scam....

• Crowds are too risky right now....

• The concerts and parade are the biggest draws in my opinion. The Twin Cities residents “need” a semblance of normal and holding the festival should really help that. However, we need to stay safe and all CDC guidelines should be followed. Thanks for asking my opinion....